humble reminder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humble reminder" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to gently remind someone of something without sounding too forceful or demanding. Example: "This is just a humble reminder that the deadline for the project is approaching next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For both, it serves as a humble reminder on a worthy anniversary.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And for the defending champions and their legion of loyal fans, it was a painful, humbling reminder of how fleeting glory can be".

Huffington Post

Though JAL planes will keep flying, because of a bailout of 600 billion yen, or $6.6 billion, the company's humbling is a reminder of how some of postwar Japan's most prominent corporations have failed to keep up with shifts in the world economy.

The New York Times

And some are just a reminder of humbler times, long before Björn Borg's signature seemed to appear on every sportswear item imaginable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This sounds depressing, but it really serves as a great reminder to stay humble and not sweat the small stuff.

Huffington Post

The Chevette has been replaced by a fleet of two service and three delivery vehicles, but it is still parked outside their 3,000-square-foot 3,000-square-foot 3,000-square-footle beginnings.

The New York Times

He found work in Jidda as a porter to the pilgrims on their way to the holy city of Mecca; years later, when he owned the largest construction company in Saudi Arabia, he displayed his porter's bag in the main reception room of his palace as a reminder of his humble origins.

The New York Times

I admire both the critic — who went on to an impressive second career as a Hollywood screenwriter, with "The Searchers" among his credits — and "Bringing Up Baby," so I take the review as a reminder to be humble and also not to be afraid of being wrong.

The New York Times

(His hats are a constant reminder to remain humble, and a symbolic representation of his grandfather's sacrifices and the many things he taught Greg with limited formal education).

Huffington Post

Goodwin's humbling, it added, "is a reminder that there has never been a proper accounting for the crisis, and very few prosecutions, unlike in the US".

The Guardian

There is also one of his humble childhood home in Brooklyn — a reminder of how far he has come.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humble reminder" when you want to gently bring something to someone's attention, especially when you want to avoid sounding demanding or authoritative.

Common error

Avoid using "humble reminder" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your tone seem insincere or overly passive. Opt for direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humble reminder" primarily functions as a polite way to introduce a piece of information that the speaker or writer wants to gently bring to the listener's or reader's attention. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to remind without being forceful.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humble reminder" is a grammatically sound phrase used to gently prompt someone's memory. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While the phrase is usable and understandable, it is relatively rare and primarily appears in News & Media contexts. When writing, use it to soften potentially demanding reminders, but avoid overuse to maintain sincerity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "please note".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerate reminder

Highlights the thoughtfulness behind the act of reminding, implying care and concern.

thoughtful prompting

Places emphasis on the caring intention behind the reminder.

polite suggestion

Stresses the courteousness of the reminder, suitable for formal or sensitive situations.

courteous nudge

Combines politeness with a gentle encouragement to remember or act.

gentle nudge

Subtly suggests a light push or encouragement rather than a formal reminder.

slight prompt

Emphasizes a gentle initiation or cue to action or memory.

soft suggestion

Highlights the non-forceful nature of the reminder, positioning it as a friendly piece of advice.

mild caution

Implies a gentle warning or heads-up about a potential issue or oversight.

friendly heads-up

Conveys a casual and informal reminder, often used in professional settings.

subtle cue

Indicates a discrete signal to remember or consider something, often implied rather than directly stated.

FAQs

How can I use "humble reminder" in a sentence?

You can use "humble reminder" to introduce a point that you want to gently bring to someone's attention, for example: "This is just a "humble reminder" that the deadline is approaching."

What are some alternatives to "humble reminder"?

Alternatives include "gentle reminder", "polite suggestion", or "friendly heads-up", depending on the context and your desired tone. Each offers a slightly different nuance in how you present the reminder.

When is it appropriate to use "humble reminder"?

It's appropriate when you want to be polite and avoid sounding demanding. However, in situations where directness is necessary, consider a more straightforward approach.

Is "humble reminder" a common phrase in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, it might come across as too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using a more direct and professional phrase like "please note" or "kindly remember" in those cases.